Cruiser
Chumono
Cones from Noble fir (Abies procera) and Lovely fir (Abies amabilis) were collected last autumn from a timber sale just outside of Enumclaw, WA. It was interesting to have both species mixed together in one place and fun distinguishing the two.

The cones were just beginning to get flakey. Scales separated easily.


In October, seeds were spread out in pond baskets containing bark and pumice. Baskets were set outside and left unprotected for cold stratification over winter.
In the last few weeks both species have started germinating. The lovelies are running a week or two behind the nobles.




Today I started to gently remove and plant the seedlings in starter trays. In some cups, 2-3 were planted together.
This first batch (44 nf, 8 lf) will be a “control” of sorts. It will be left alone to grow uninterrupted.
I may try cutting the tap roots off some seedlings in the next batch.

A 50/50 mix of small (1-2mm) fir bark and pumice was utilized to mimic what the trees can naturally be found growing in around here.


The cones were just beginning to get flakey. Scales separated easily.


In October, seeds were spread out in pond baskets containing bark and pumice. Baskets were set outside and left unprotected for cold stratification over winter.
In the last few weeks both species have started germinating. The lovelies are running a week or two behind the nobles.




Today I started to gently remove and plant the seedlings in starter trays. In some cups, 2-3 were planted together.
This first batch (44 nf, 8 lf) will be a “control” of sorts. It will be left alone to grow uninterrupted.
I may try cutting the tap roots off some seedlings in the next batch.

A 50/50 mix of small (1-2mm) fir bark and pumice was utilized to mimic what the trees can naturally be found growing in around here.
